Apple boss Tim Cook has been mobbed by a wave of criticism after his alleged private memo to employees about the civil unrest in Minnesota was leaked online.
Addressing the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents, Cook reportedly said: ‘This is a time for de-escalation,’ and added that he had a ‘good conversation’ with President Donald Trump regarding the situation in Minneapolis.
‘I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from, and when we embrace our shared humanity,’ the unconfirmed letter read.
Despite Cook’s apparent calls for calm, scores of critics on social media pounced on the Apple chief executive for not condemning the shooting.
‘Exhibit A for weak leadership 101,’ one person wrote on X.
‘Tim needs to focus on making the iPhone keyword work well again,’ another person commented.
Pretti was fatally shot during a targeted immigration enforcement operation on Saturday.
The nurse was armed with a loaded handgun, which he had a legal permit to carry, when he tried to stop agents from detaining a woman, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It said shots were fired ‘defensively’ as Pretti allegedly became violent with officers.
A leaked memo, reportedly written by Apple boss Tim Cook, asked employees to remain calm following the fatal shootings in Minnesota
Cook allegedly told Apple employees in a leaked memo that he had a ‘good conversation’ with President Trump after the shooting of Alex Pretti
The DHS told the Daily Mail that agents were in the area attempting to apprehend ‘an illegal alien wanted for violent assault’ when Pretti approached them.
The agency later released a photograph of a nine‑millimeter semi‑automatic handgun it said was recovered during the clash.
It claimed officers attempted to disarm him, but that he ‘violently resisted’ before a Border Patrol agent fired the fatal shot.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Apple for comment on the alleged letter, revealed by multiple Apple news websites, and is awaiting a response.
Separately, others on social media slammed Cook for attending the White House screening of the First Lady’s documentary, Melania, just hours after the fatal shooting on Saturday.
‘I wonder if he wrote that while waiting for the Melania doc to start at the White House,’ a social media user on Reddit posted.
‘I’m pretty sure the movie will be downloaded to our iPhones this weekend,’ one commenter replied.
ICU nurse Alex Pretti (Pictured) was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent on January 24. Tim Cook called for ‘deescalation’ in Minnesota following the incident
This is the Sig Sauer P320 semi-automatic rifle that authorities say Alex Pretti was carrying at the time of the fatal shooting
‘Tim is appallingly pathetic. Disgraceful. I never put him or Apple on a pedestal, but my view of them has drastically changed,’ another person said.
Despite the fury online over Cook’s leaked response to the events in Minnesota, some praised the CEO for attempting to de-escalate the situation and avoid further calls for violence and unrest.
‘It was very well said. I think he handled it with grace and understanding,’ one supporter wrote on X.
‘He’s handled this exceptionally well. Like seriously, what else could he have said? Do you guys seriously expect him to call out the President, risking tariffs and brand reputation? I believe this to be exactly why de-escalation is needed,’ another person added.
Pretti was seen holding his phone and appearing to speak or film as he engaged with federal agents moments before the shooting
In the leaked memo, Cook added: ‘I know this is very emotional and challenging for so many. I am proud of how deeply our teams care about the world beyond our walls. That empathy is one of Apple’s greatest strengths, and it is something I believe we all cherish.’
On his personal X account, Cook’s most recent post on January 19 featured a tribute to Dr Martin Luther King Jr, praising the civil rights leader’s legacy of service and commitment to justice.
He also quoted King in his account bio, saying: ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”’
This drew even more criticism, as X users claimed Cook’s lack of public criticism of President Trump was the antithesis of MLK’s beliefs.
‘You dishonor Dr King’s legacy every time you kiss Trump’s a**. For shame. You have no integrity,’ one person replied to Cook’s last post.
Cook’s reported response to the Pretti killing and his attendance at the White House event have already sparked calls for a boycott on Apple products online.
‘[Tim Cook] needs to be removed as CEO of Apple. I will not continue to buy Apple products in the future if he’s not,’ one customer claimed on X.
Despite calls for iPhone users to switch to Androids, Apple saw its stocks rise by 3.3 percent on Monday, boosted by investor optimism over the company’s upcoming earnings report that will include sales figures for the iPhone 17.
